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Roman Expansion and Imperialism I

The second century B.C. saw Rome progressively dominate both the Western and the Eastern Mediterranean

The Question of Imperialism

Definitions
The creation, maintenance, or extension of empire; controlling many nations and areas Exploitation of inferior states through military and political pressures A system of imperial government, esp. government by an emperor

Roman context
Imperium: supreme authority, power to command; dominion or realm (territory under Roman command)
Technically this would include all Roman territory in Italy, suzerainty over socii in Italy, provinces

Rome, of course, had an empire long before she had an emperor!

In the conventional sense of empire, this began with the acquision of Sicily, the first province

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12-Roman Expansion and Imperialism I

12-Roman Expansion and Imperialism I

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Motives for Roman Expansion

Ancient
Roman prayer: Subdue the Latins and extend the imperium of the Roman people Polybius: defensive imperialism

Modern
Accidental, Rome stumbled into empire, drawn in by entangling alliances and commitments Preemptive, defensive; concerned about balance of power and potential enemies Economic Desire for power, glory, and opportunity (individual and collective)

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12-Roman Expansion and Imperialism I

Areas of Expansion
West
Consolidation of Spanish holdings Moderate expansion in southern Gaul (linking Italy and Iberia) Continuing conflict with Carthage

East
Macedonia Greece Asia Minor Syria

Expansion occurred in both places throughout second century; see packet, p. 30-31
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Sources
Livy, 3145 Polybius, 1549 Plutarch
2nd century A.D. biographer Flamininus, Cato Maior, Aemilius Paullus

Appian
Early 2nd century A.D. historiographer Macedonica, Syriaca, Iberica, Libyca

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II Macedonian War,
200196 B.C.
T. Quinctius Flamininus
Philhellene

197 B.C., Cynoscephalae

see-saw victories on right and left Quick-thinking tribune saved the day by moving maniples to attack victorious Macedonian right

After I Macedonian War, Philip V concentrated on Aegean expansion Threatened Roman allies, Aetolia and Pergamum They appealed to Rome in 201 B.C. Romes reasons Fear, pride, revenge Economic Individual ambition

Peace Terms
Macedonia remains independent, a buffer state Ejected from Greece, garrisons withdrawn Arms limited, indemnity 198 B.C. Flamininus declaration of Greek freedom

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I Syrian War, 192189 B.C.

Seleucid Empire (borders within green line at the beginning of this period) Centered in Syria and Mesopotamia Included much of Asia Minor Antiochus III the Great had recently reconquered Eastern territory Bested Egypt, took her holdings in Aegean, threatened Pergamum

Aetolians unhappy about Macedonian settlement Invited Antiochus III the Great to free Greece Thermopylae, 192 B.C. Antiochus small landing force pushed out of Greece 190 B.C., Magnesia Weak Lucius helped by big brother P. Cornelius Scipio 188 B.C., Peace of Apamea See Liv. 37, 38 = LR no. 70 All Asia Minor ceded to Pergamum and Rhodes 15,000 talent indemnity Seleucids permanently weakened (empire soon reduced to the territory included within the fuchsia colored line)

I Iberian War, 181179 B.C.

Lacked developed states Complicated administration and taxation Regular tax 1/20 on farm produce Tribute variable according to governors needs M. Porcius Cato Suppressed uprisings in southern Spain Ended abuses of early governors Celtiberians of Central Spain launch I Iberian War Ti. Sempronius Gracchus Forced Celtiberians to accept peace Fair-minded reforms and governance

Iberia divided into provinces of Nearer and Further Spain after Second Punic War Governed by praetors Not securely held until 133 B.C.

12-Roman Expansion and Imperialism I